Geelong Line passengers are one step closer to more frequent and reliable services, with a preferred contractor announced for the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication.
The Djilang Alliance – comprising of McConnell Dowell Constructors Pty Ltd, Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd, Arup Australia Projects Pty Ltd and WSP Australia Pty Ltd – has been named as the preferred contractor to deliver the project, with contract award expected in mid-2022.
The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will include around 8 kilometres of track duplication, elevated rail bridges to replace level crossings at Fyans Street and the Surf Coast Highway, and signalling upgrades.
South Geelong and Marshall stations will both be upgraded and will feature new station buildings, landscaped forecourts, second platforms and accessible pedestrian overpasses as part of the project.
Early works, including the relocation of a Barwon Water pipeline, will commence soon, with major construction to follow later this year and a target completion date of late-2024.
The project will enable 5 trains per hour at peak times to travel from Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations, and 3 trains per hour between the peaks.
Community feedback received during online consultation last year will be detailed in a What We Heard report that is expected to be released in the coming weeks, with locals to be provided further opportunities to give feedback this year.
The project is being delivered by the Australian and Victorian governments as part of more than $1 billion in rail upgrade projects between Geelong and Waurn Ponds, including the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade and Waurn Ponds stabling.